State growing guide
Mississippi Planting Guide
USDA Zone 8a/8b · Last frost Mar 5 · First frost Nov 20 · 259 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Mississippi.
Frost Dates by City — Mississippi
Average frost dates for major Mississippi cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 8a | Mar 5 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 5) |
| Gulfport | 8b | Feb 15 | Dec 5 | ~2 wks after (Feb 15) |
| Biloxi | 8b | Feb 15 | Dec 5 | ~2 wks after (Feb 15) |
| Meridian | 8a | Mar 5 | Nov 20 | ~2 wks after (Mar 5) |
| Tupelo | 7b | Mar 20 | Nov 15 | ~2 wks after (Mar 20) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Mississippi Gardeners
- Jackson gardeners transplant tomatoes in mid-to-late February
- Gulf Coast gardens (Zone 8b) can start tomatoes in early February
- Mississippi fall garden in August is very productive — long warm autumn
Common Challenges in Mississippi
- ⚠ High humidity means fungal diseases are prevalent
- ⚠ Nematodes damage roots in sandy southern soils — use marigolds, resistant varieties
Best Crops for Mississippi
Tomatoes Okra Peppers Sweet Potatoes Watermelon Field Peas Collard Greens Muscadine Grapes
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Mississippi
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mississippi Gardening
What zone is Mississippi?
Mississippi ranges from Zone 7b (northern MS/Tupelo) to Zone 8b (Gulf Coast). Jackson is Zone 8a, and Gulfport/Biloxi are Zone 8b.